Fragile Calm Returns to Gaza Border Region

ICEJ News Briefs

A tense calm appeared to have settled on the border between Israel and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip Friday morning following intense airstrikes on Hamas military infrastructure in the Strip by the IDF overnight. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters in Washingotn, “Overall, we condemn the launching of missile attacks into Israel and call for an end to the destructive violence…we fully support Israel’s right to defend itself and to take actions to prevent provocations of that nature. Let’s not forget that Hamas bears ultimate responsibility for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. It’s a tremendous concern of ours.”

President Reuven Rivlin urged support for the residents of the Gaza border regions, saying, “Citizens of the South, we are all standing with you. It is time to open our hearts, houses and accommodations for the benefit of the residents of the South. Give [southern residents] joy at a time when they are running to shelters and their land is up in flames.”

Israeli Activist Suffers Stroke

Former MK Uri Avnery, who fought in the 1948 Israeli Independence War and later became one of the Jewish State’s leading advocates for the Two-State solution with the Palestinians suffered a massive stroke this week. The 94-year old activist was admitted to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv and is currently listed in stable condition.

Tourism Ministry Posts Record Numbers for 2018

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism made an announcement this week that 2.4 million visitors arrived in the Jewish State so far in 2018, a 17% increase over last year and almost double the number who came in the first half of 2016. “Month after month, we are witnessing new achievements and record highs in incoming tourism,” Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin (Likud) said. “The tourism industry continues to be a significant factor in making exceptional impact and contributions to the Israeli economy and workforce.”

Large Numbers of Women Volunteer for Combat Units

The IDF announced this week that 1,050 women have volunteered for combat units in the past year, a massive increase over previous years. “We understand the potential in the operational value of both the Border Defense Forces and the Armored Corps,” said Chief Armored Officer Brig.-Gen. Guy Hasson, stressing that “there is potential here for girls who really want to work for the defense of the state.” However, the rise in female recruits to combat units has also given rise to tension with religious authorities and sharp disagreements over various issues within the military establishment.